The controversial night-time doping tests carried out on defending champion Tadej Pogacar and fellow favourite Jonas Vingegaard – who has already been eliminated – have apparently been authorised by a court in Paris. According to the French sports newspaper *L’Equipe*, the judge received the request from the International Testing Agency (ITA). This marks the first time the provisions, which were incorporated into French law in 2015, have been applied.
Doping tests usually take place between 6.00 am and 11.00 pm. Although night-time doping tests have also been possible since 2016, they are subject to stricter guidelines. Accordingly, the judge must assess whether there are ‘serious and consistent grounds for suspicion’ that the cyclist in question has breached anti-doping rules or is about to do so. In addition, the judge must determine whether there is a ‘risk of evidence being lost’.
ITA justifies the tests
The tests must ensure that there is a fair balance between the infringement of the athlete’s rights and the objectives of the fight against doping. The ITA, however, justified its actions, stating that it was aware that night-time tests could disrupt the cyclists’ rest and recovery.
“However, the ITA is responsible, on behalf of the UCI (International Cycling Union), for ensuring the effectiveness of the anti-doping programme in cycling and the integrity of cycling races,” the ITA told the AP news agency.
Another topic of discussion at the Tour was the fact that, unlike Pogacar and Vingegaard, the young French star Paul Seixas – currently fourth in the general classification – was not subject to night-time checks.
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